Michelle Collins’ Coronation Street character to be run over by Carla

Michelle Collins is to be given a ‘last chance’ storyline in Coronation Street, with new girl Stella Price to be plowed down by Carla Connor as bosses consider the future of both her and producer Phil Collinson.

Michelle Collins’ new storyline could be her last chance to impress Coronation Street bosses (Pic: ITV)

Since joining the cast of Coronation Street a few months ago, former EastEnders actress Michelle has found herself facing criticism from viewers about her northern accent and sources are claiming it could be curtains for her character as a result.

In a desperate bid to reclaim the ratings, ITV bosses are planning a storyline in which her character Stella is hit by drunk-driver Carla, leaving producers the option to kill Stella off.

‘This storyline is Michelle’s last chance to win viewers over,’ a source told The Sun. ‘She will be mown down by Carla Connor , who drunkenly drives her car into Barlow’s Bookies as a plea for help with her booze battle.’Stella will be rushed to hospital and Leanne will realise she wants her mum to live and for them to have a relationship. If that doesn’t get the figures up, there is no hope for her and they will kill her off at Christmas.’

ITV has denied the claims, saying: ‘Ratings for the first six months of 2011 are up year-on-year. We have also been the number one show across all channels more than any other programme so far this year.’The channel is also delighted with audience reaction to Stella’s arrival on Coronation Street and with the storylines planned in the coming months.’

The ITV spokeperson added that they were ‘extremely pleased with the work of Phil Collinson and his production team’, responding to claims that the producer will be replaced following the ratings tumble.